I was unwilling to omit the opportunity of my young Friend Chew to inform thee that it afforded not a little satisfaction to many of thy Acquaintances, and not a little concern to others, that thou escaped Algiers; but I think most unite in expressing satisfaction, in thy Election to thy present high office, expecting both Countrys will reap the advantage of thy Wisdom and Experience. Salutary Laws and Regulations are at this juncture much wanted, and also a more prudent Conduct in the mercantile line on both sides the Water is highly necessary, as by some strange Infatuation they have as it were floundered into Confusion to the Embarrasment and ruin of many: at this juncture American Credit is at a very low Ebb in Europe; and if it should have the Effect of preventing an Increase of Luxery it may prove advantageous to thy Country; but I could have wished that theere were fewer just Complaints on this side, by reason of non payment of old Debts to British Subjects, such disappointments having soured the Minds of old Friends and caused that disposition to spread wider and higher.

As I know thou art always pleased to hear of the welfare of thy Acquaintance, I doubt not but it will afford thee Satisfaction to be inform’d that our mutual Friend Thomas Collinson spent a Week with me lately, and I think enjoys himself more than for many years past, I mean the powers of his active Mind, tho his Circumstances are circumscrib’d. Whilst he was here Mr. Boulton of Birmingham paid me a Visit, who, I think thou wert acquainted with, and who with his partner Watt are deeply concern’d in the Improvement of Steam Engines. My Nephew Robert Barclay the American being about to erect me in his large porter Brewery, find he can get rid of 30 large Horses which cost £30 Each and save not less than £300 per Ann.

Boulton invited us to see his mighty Work commence business, the Albion Mill, one third of which only is yet erected (near Blackfriars Bridge) with one steam Engine which turns 10 pair of Stones with the powers of 50 Horses) and with so small a quantity of Coals, that, I think, its likely to undo all the Wind and Water Corn Mills within 20 or 30 Miles from London, which, are dependent on Land Carriage.

Pray has thou seen or made Trial of a simple mode to raise Water out of a Well, by a rope thrown over two Wheels, I have tryed it at Youngsbury with much success, where my Well is 112 ft. deep; and I have had a Model made and given my Friend William Hamilton, who, is soon returning [home].

The Bearer I much esteem, and having con[ducted] himself with more prudence than any you[nger] Man that I have known from your side the Water, I recommend him to thy Notice. I am Thy affectionate Friend